Jesus wants us to be our best selves because God, the Father, has given us His best. We are surely made in God’s image and likeness. But even more wonderfully than this we are chosen by God to be loved. Stop and think about what was just said. God has given us a Sacred Underneath, plus God chooses us as His beloved. This sacred underneath is our “precious hotspot” where God touches us , simply because God chooses to. In return God desires that we recognize this love and we respond reciprocally.

Now these words ( about God’s love) are heard so often that we really don’t comprehend their depth and meaning. They are simply words that ring hollow. God’s love in our lives doesn’t seem to register. This is why every now and then we have to stop and “sort them out.” We have to “shake them up” to fathom their meaning and let it change us , move us, bring us to a new level dependability upon God.

We do this This is to see once again that everything given us comes from God. And the only words that can express our gratitude are ordinary ones that come quickly and easily. They are “ Thank you Lord for loving me even when I forget to love you in return.” When the Lord God hears our words of gratitude, he knows once again that his plan of creation is still a good one!